Assistant Technical Director

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Theatre Technical Director and in collaboration with the Stage Design and Production Studies department chair, the Assistant Technical Director’s dual focus is on teaching and training students involved in the scenic studio, properties studio, and Conservatory of Performing Arts (CoPA) productions while assisting with technical aspects of all CoPA productions in partnership with the technical director, resident faculty designers and other production staff. The Assistant Technical Director serves as primary liaison for campus and community use of Kleist Center for Art and Drama including outside rentals and is charged with creating a safe and positive learning environment for students, guests, and staff. Significant evening and weekend responsibilities are included especially during the academic year. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities:

The following outlines the essential functions of the position and is not to be considered a detailed description of all duties inherent in the position.

TEACHING & LEADING

• Partner directly with the technical director, faculty designers, students, and venue users to produce stage productions and events.
• Assist in supervising all scenic labor, including students (work study and those pursuing academic credit), staff, and independent contractors, in the shops, performance venues, and all ancillary spaces and ensuring that all involved students receive quality mentorship.
• Manage the properties studio and mentor student labor in the studio.
• Assist the technical director in developing work schedules and assigning crews to meet production plans and deadlines.
• Provide instruction and training to students, staff and faculty on equipment use and stage techniques.
• Maintain knowledge of current theatrical staging technology and equipment; participate in professional development activities.

PRODUCTION REALIZATION

• Assist with the staging of scenery, lighting, sound, video, props and other equipment and resources as essential for CoPA productions and events.
• Participate in production planning including attending production meetings as needed.
• Assist with construction of scenic needs for all CoPA production projects including building new items as well as the acquisition and transport of prebuilt/found/borrowed objects.
• Lead planning for prop creation and procurement, and guide students and staff to execute designs.

• Assist with sound, lighting, video and projection used in productions and events.

• Attend and participate in technical rehearsals and previews to support the production team, complete scenic notes, and develop and hone best practices for a positive and safe work environment.
• Assist with return, storage, and disposal of production materials and restoration of production facilities postproduction.
• Serve as primary production liaison for CoPA productions not in Kleist and for off-campus productions and performances.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Manage non-production events taking place in the Kleist Center in collaboration with the Technical Director including, but not limited to, Community Arts School programs, campus events, rentals, and summer programs.
• Recruit, train and manage a student events team to assist with events and rentals.
• Meet with event producers to determine needs and develop contracts, invoices, and timelines.
• Serve as primary liaison with campus offices and outside organizations using the facility.
• Assist with other CoPA special events and activities on- and off-campus as requested.

FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, & SAFETY

• Assist with general maintenance and upkeep of theatre facilities and production equipment.
• Enforce and provide training on policies on safety and operations.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and supply inventory.
• Ensure observance to established departmental and college policies and procedures.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 2 years professional experience in theatrical construction required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to train, educate, mentor, and supervise students, to include theatrical staging, set construction, prop creation, event set up, safety, organizing and prioritizing.
• Strong technical skill in properties creation and scenery construction and rigging.
• Ability to:
  • read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures.
  • work both independently and in a team environment.
  • develop work schedules and assign jobs.
  • communicate effectively.
  • resolve challenges, delays, and concerns.
  • manage budgets, purchasing and credit card reconciliation.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Substantial physical work. Pushing, pulling and heavy lifting sometimes in excess of 70 pounds. Physical work is the primary part (90%) of the job.
• Technical work in professional theatre requires working at heights, under low light, and in tight places. Exposure to electrical wires, chemicals and fumes.
• Exposure in work environment involves hazards and physical risk which require safety precautions.

How to Apply

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For strongest consideration, please submit as soon as possible as candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Send resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references in one (1) Word document or one (1) PDF and submit via the To Apply link on BW’s Employment and Careers’ web page.

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.